In Birmingham, Southern Hospitality Shines Through to Help Runners

While much of the country broiled under a heat wave in late July (and complained about it), the high temperatures and humidity were business as usual in Birmingham, Alabama.

Even at 6 a.m., when members of the Birmingham Track Club (BTC) get together for their long runs, midsummer temperatures are typically above 80 degrees, with the relative humidity 85 to 95 percent.

Luckily for the runners, the town of Birmingham is there to help with hydration and fuel.

Every Saturday morning, volunteers set up water coolers along the streets and trails of Birmingham to support local athletes. Locations are along the BTC’s long run route that week—usually every 2 to 3 miles on the route—but they are placed in well-trafficked areas so that runners who aren’t part of the BTC and cyclists can share in the support.

On any given summer weekend, as many as 20 water stops pop up around the city of 212,000.

Most volunteers setting them up are runners. But several businesses, churches, and homeowners set out coolers as well.

Some hydration stops are permanent fixtures in the town: “Jack’s Shell,” an old Shell gas station, leaves water out every day. The Trak Shak, a local running store, always keeps coolers of cold water outside its doors—as well as a keg of beer inside the shop, for athletes in need of something stronger.

And one particular home, recognizable for its purple paint, is renowned for the water cooler in the side yard. The home used to be owned by Norman Thomas, a former BTC president. When Thomas left Alabama, he sold his Birmingham house on Acton Avenue to its present owners, Rory and Elizabeth Ann Henderson, with a contingency: They had to continue putting out water for runners.

“We made a verbal agreement with Norman to keep water and cups in the yard,” Elizabeth Ann, 69, told Runner’s World in an interview at their home. “That was five years ago. Ever since, the Trak Shak has brought us ice each week, and I fill up the coolers.”

Every Saturday, Birmingham residents Rory and Elizabeth Ann Henderson set out water in their side yard. When they bought their home from the former Birmingham Track Club president, they agreed to continue helping hydrate runners.

Hailey Middlebrook

“We’re usually sitting in the living room when the runners come by,” added Rory, 73. “It’s something like 5 in the morning, and they’re yakking away out there. We’ll drink our coffee and listen to them.”

From time to time, volunteers stock more than just water. Among the goodies: Gatorade, icy towels, and a few unexpected treats.

“I have really fond memories of one stop in particular,” said Joseph Dease, the co-director of BTC long runs. “It was around mile 15, and there were Golden Oreos inside the cooler. Best surprise ever.”

Monica Henley, who organizes weekly long runs with Dease, assigns water stops each week to volunteers, but she lets them choose what to stock. Runners’ favorites include chocolate, popsicles, cold baby wipes, fresh fruit, peanut butter M&Ms, candy hearts, and salted pretzels.

Drink offerings at water stops can get even wilder: Mountain Dew, mimosas, and even a sneaky flask of Fireball whiskey have been discovered on past long runs. (For the record, the BTC does not sanction alcohol.)

“There is an unnamed gentleman who may, or may not, put mimosas at certain water stops toward the end of our long runs,” said Alex Morrow, the current president of the 100-member BTC. “They are surprisingly good.”

Regardless of each runner’s preferred beverage, one water stop is unanimously favored: the next one on the route. And after each Saturday long run, runners express heartfelt thanks on BTC’s Facebook page.

“Started late this morning but got my 10 in. I could not have done it without the sweet few that put out the drinks! Thank you,” one woman posted on July 16.

Another runner commented, “Each water stop is critically important. I am always impressed by how well placed they are, based on the distance and difficulty of each run.”

Though Alabama may be best known for barbecue and beer, the running scene is gaining ground. Encouraging fitness among residents of Birmingham—a place that is not known for the health of its populace—was the founding goal of BTC. Since its birth in the 1970s, the club has developed beginner 5K programs, organized group runs, and started the popular Mercedes Marathon, which draws thousands of runners to Birmingham in February. The group welcomes runners of all ages and abilities, from newbies to college athletes.

“I only started running a year and a half ago,” said Dease, who turned 40 in June. “Even if you’ve never run in your life, the running community here has your back.”

Water is available for runners who know where to look. Jack's Shell, a Birmingham gas station, puts out four coolers each week.

Hailey Middlebrook

Hailey MiddlebrookDigital EditorHailey first got hooked on running news as an intern with Running Times, and now she reports on elite runners and cyclists, feel-good stories, and training pieces for Runner's World and Bicycling magazines.

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